Lata Mangeshkar, the voice of Independent India: 5 patriotic songs by the singer that will stir your emotions

Lata Mangeshkar’s career trajectory is intricately linked to India’s journey – from the shackles of British imperialism, to Nehruvian socialism to Modi’s reign – and as various periods of India has shaped her life, she too, with the power of her voice, had shaped different eras of India.

Here are five songs by the legendary singer that will definitely stir your patriotic feelings and make you feel deeply connected with the soul of India.
Pay your tribute to Lata Mangeshkar
‘Ae Mere Watan Ke logon’

A tribute to the martyrs of India, this song reportedly filled Jawaharlal Nehru’s eyes with tears when he heard Mangeshkar croon it onstage for the first time. Composed by C. Ramachandra, this heart wrenching song is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the China-India war in 1962.
‘Mere Rang De Basanti Chola’
From the film 'Shaheed' (1965) this song encapsulates the pain and glory of young revolutionaries, as they make their way to be hanged and sacrifice their life. Deeply emotional and visceral this song has a soul of its own imbued by the voices of Mukesh, Mahendra Kapoor, and Mangeshkar.

‘Jo Samar Mein Ho Gaye Amar’
Recorded in 1971, this non-film song is another lesser known patriotic number by Mangeshkar. A slow and lulling song, that almost resembles a prayer song in her voice. This number too, pays a homage to those young soldiers who laid down their lives to keep their country safe.

‘Aisa Desh Hai Mera’
One of her later numbers, and picturised on Preity Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan, this song from ‘Veer Zara’ is a peppy number that shows nationalism in a youthful and enthusiastic way. The film tells the story of two lovers from two countries - India and Pakistan – and traces their trajectory with a few other Mangeshkar songs, as they refuse to give up on love, despite national boundaries.
‘Vande Mataram’
Last but definitely not the least, this song from a studio album by musician AR Rahman, released in 1997, is a powerful tribute to the motherland. A permanent on the playlist during Independence Day, and Republic Day, it is a high-pitched and stirring song, that cannot be played only once.